Polymer-grafted Nanoparticles (PGN) and PGN Arrays with Tailored Canopy Interactions
Abstract
Polymer grafted nanoparticles (PGN) with tailored polymer brush canopies will be prepared using a variety of methods including a newly developed water-based method using AGET-ATRP. These new hybrid materials, combining an inorganic core and a polymer brush canopy, offer solutions for numerous Air Force relevant applications including optical, thermal and mechanical materials including those focused on flexible electronics. By increasing the brush canopy complexity, we will exploit the power of polymer processing to tailor these emerging materials in ways not before achieved. Our proposed research program will address scientific challenges such as the exchange process for converting the surface from water soluble to non-polar initiator; control of initiator density; stability of the initiator; formation of unattached chains; characterization of brush density; control of molecular weight and dispersity of longer chains. A common theme of this proposal will be the use of light. We will use light to control the size and architecture of the polymer brushes introduced to our NP brush canopy, in our processing of PGN composites and arrays to turn on hydrogen bonding to control the strength of interparticle interactions, and study optical propertiesas part of our toolset for characterization of these new PGNs and PGN arrays. We will work synergistically with AFRL on PGN and PGN array characterization using advanced synchrotron scattering methods to study core and canopy characteristics. We will perform solid-state NMR studies and use super-resolution microscopy methods such as STORM to identify core structure, canopy location and size and placement of HNPs in nanoparticle arrays. We plan to test our ability to prepare and process these materials in the form of new optical structures. We will focus in particular on: i) gradient refractive index (GRIN) films and ii) Faraday rotator NP arrays.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 02, 2017
- Source ID
- FA95501710038
Entities
People
- Christopher Ober
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Cornell University
- United States Air Force